Due to hip and knee issues, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has missed two consecutive practices and will now undergo medical testing, as reported by ESPN’s Brady Henderson. Head coach Mike Macdonald mentioned that Smith is “working through a couple things.”
The team will perform imaging tests to assess the severity of the injuries. This evaluation is essential to understand the full extent of Smith’s condition and to determine a timeline for his return to practice and play.
In Smith’s absence, backup quarterbacks Sam Howell and P.J. Walker are expected to take over the first-string offense during practices. This opportunity allows the backups to gain valuable experience and prepare for potential game scenarios. Coach Macdonald did not provide a definitive timeline for Smith’s return, indicating uncertainty about his availability for the upcoming practice sessions.
Despite Coach Macdonald’s statement that Smith “got banged up a little bit” on Tuesday, the head coach did not express optimism regarding Smith’s return to practice by Friday. The medical assessments will provide more clarity, but Macdonald emphasized the need to wait for the results before making any predictions about Smith’s readiness.
Geno Smith has faced injuries earlier in his career but has maintained relative health over the past two seasons, starting 32 out of 34 regular-season games. Although his individual performance declined slightly in 2023, with a 64.7% completion rate, 3,624 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, Smith’s durability has been a strong point for the Seahawks.
Smith was showing promise during training camp, impressing teammates such as Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon with his precise throws and strategic plays. As the Seahawks gear up for their first preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers on August 10, the results of Smith’s medical tests will be crucial in determining his status and readiness to participate.